ODI Frustrations for Associate Nations

The chief executive of Cricket Scotland has said he is “frustrated” at the lack of opportunities to play the ICC’s leading nations.

Malcolm Cannon was speaking after revealing that he is currently in discussions with Associate teams to provide meaningful ODI action in Scotland this summer.

But whereas Ireland have arranged four home matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and will meet Australia and South Africa away from home in the autumn, the Scots, who are not in the top 12 ranked sides, are having greater problems.

Mr Cannon said: “We are currently in discussions with two Associate Members for some highly competitive ODIs this summer.

“These, in addition to our two WCL games against UAE (at Mannofield in Aberdeen in August) , could mean six ODIs in Scotland this summer.

“We are also working extremely hard behind the scenes to secure future ODIs against full members.

“But it is fair to say that we are frustrated by the lack of opportunities to play full members and that the new twelve-team ODI table makes that harder for us.

“Any comparisons with Ireland (or Afghanistan) or with past history are probably moot nowadays, but we remain desperately keen to secure competitive matches not only for our squad but also for the Scottish cricketing public and fans.

“As ever, any negativity drives fans away from the sport, so we are working hard with all stakeholders to ensure that any noise around cricket in Scotland remains positive and to give everyone the sport they want and need both at grassroots and at international level.”